The literal tale of a novel is always important. The action that gets us to where we need to be as a reader must be compelling; otherwise, the message itself may never be delivered. And when it does, when pieces of story come rushing back at all the right times and you understand what the author’s purpose really is, well that’s what great reading is all about.
With a visceral, literal tale, Gordon Williams’ “The Siege of Trencher’s Farm,” which inspired the 1971 film “Straw Dogs” and the upcoming remake, is a novel that will have learned men shaking in their boots. Just imagine yourself in George MacGruder’s shoes for a second. If you were forced to defend your family from maniacs with blood on their hands, how far would you go? Would you turn your back on a life of civility and education? These are essentially the topics Williams explores throughout the course of the novel. Engaging, smart and honest, this book combines the same type of drama that made films such as “Deliverance” and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” cult hits, but adds a humanity, intelligence and depth those works can simply never attain.
In spite of the horror and thriller aspects, “The Siege of Trencher’s Farm” is mostly about a man’s journey to become more than a qualified mind. The questions that he asks himself throughout the course of the novel are the same any man ponders at various stages of their life. From your relationship with your children and spouse to your own fortitude and bravado, this book will force you to analyze these same situations within your own life.
For that reason alone, it’s a great read, but the weaving of three separate situations into one hell of ac onflict at the end shows Williams’ ability. At first, you may wonder what he’s doing, but after a few pages, it becomes clear that all of these scenarios are destined to explode into a powder keg of intensity.
The personality of many of the characters also helps the storytelling. While some may be prototypical, such as the wife going through a mid-life crisis, the crazy uneducated townies and the boy-scout doctor, they travel far enough past the obvious and are more than original enough to captivate and force you to continue reading. Because of this, the book is a quick read as well, taking only a few hours to polish off.
Regardless of that, the lessons learned through the course of reading will resonate for much longer. While our protagonist ends up a stronger man by the end of the tale, you also become a smarter one through his experiences. Gritty and candid, “The Siege of Trencher’s Farm” is a how-to guide of storytelling and a book that pushes a breakneck pace, never letting up, even when it appears the main character has had enough.
A prime example of modern storytelling infusing noir and other genres into an original concoction of fiction, “The Siege of Trencher’s Farm” doesn’t waste any time delivering a wise and well thought-out message.
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